A close friend of late veteran actor and screenwriter Taiwo "Ogogo" Hassan, Azeez "Olu Ogogo" Onifade, has shared details about the actor's final days. According to Onifade, Ogogo's persistent chest pain led to the discovery of stage-four cancer. The diagnosis was made after several hospital visits. Ogogo passed away shortly after being diagnosed and was buried at his residence in Ilaro, Ogun State. His daughters had confirmed the stage-four cancer diagnosis but did not disclose the type of cancer.
Onifade, who was friends with Ogogo for 25 years, recounted that the actor first complained of chest pain during a trip to Ilaro. Instead of self-medicating, they visited a family hospital in Ilaro, where Ogogo received treatment and was advised to rest. However, the pain persisted, prompting another hospital visit to Apena Hospital in Ebute-Metta, Lagos. The doctor conducted tests, administered pain-reducing injections, and referred Ogogo to another hospital.
Further referrals led Ogogo to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where he was diagnosed with cancer. Onifade mentioned that Aunty Mutiat informed their community leader, who then notified Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi. The senator suggested that Ogogo be taken to India for treatment, but delays in obtaining a visa stalled the plan. By the time the visa was issued, Ogogo's condition had deteriorated.
Senator Yayi arranged for an Indian doctor to travel to Nigeria to participate in Ogogo's treatment. The doctor suggested moving Ogogo to St Nicholas Hospital on Lagos Island, where specialists provided treatment. Ogogo was eating little by little until five days before his death, when his condition suddenly changed. Onifade expressed gratitude, believing that God made Ogogo's passing relatively painless.
Onifade described Ogogo as a genuinely good man with a free spirit and said his death was a huge shock. He mentioned that he already misses Ogogo's early-morning telephone calls and that their close relationship made the loss particularly difficult. Onifade recalled Ogogo's generosity, including helping him complete the roofing of his house and securing employment for his daughter.
Ogogo also sponsored Onifade's Canadian visa application and provided gifts for his children and family. Onifade thanked those who supported him and his family during Ogogo's illness, including Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu; Senator Yayi; traditional rulers; and Ogogo's film industry colleagues. He prayed for Ogogo's soul to rest in peace.
The cause of Ogogo's death and the specific type of cancer he had remain undisclosed. Ogogo's friends and family continue to mourn his loss, acknowledging his kindness and generosity. Key points about Ogogo's final days and diagnosis have been shared, providing insight into his illness and the efforts made to secure treatment.
Key points
- Persistent chest pain led to Ogogo's stage-four cancer diagnosis.
- Treatment plans in India were stalled due to visa delays.
- Senator Yayi and others provided support for Ogogo's treatment.
